, PUB2618 EXAM PORTFOLIO SEMESTER 2 2026 - DUE DATE 16 OCTOBER 2026
INTRODUCTION
Research is an important process used to investigate problems, develop knowledge,
understand human behaviour and identify possible solutions to challenges experienced by
individuals and communities. Through research, information can be collected, analysed and
interpreted to improve decision-making in areas such as education, health, business and
social development. However, conducting research involves responsibilities that extend
beyond collecting information and presenting findings. Researchers must consider the rights,
dignity, safety and well-being of the people who participate in their studies. Ethical
principles provide guidance on how researchers should interact with participants, manage
information and make decisions throughout the research process. According to Resnik (2020),
research ethics promotes responsible conduct by encouraging honesty, objectivity, integrity
and respect for the rights of others. Researchers must also select methods that are appropriate
for their research questions and objectives. Quantitative research, qualitative research and
Participatory Action Research offer different ways of investigating problems and generating
knowledge. Understanding the four philosophical principles of research ethics and the
characteristics of these research methods helps ensure that research is conducted responsibly,
produces credible findings and contributes positively to society.
QUESTION 1: RELEVANCE OF THE FOUR PHILOSOPHICAL PRINCIPLES IN
DETERMINING WHETHER RESEARCH IS ETHICAL
1.1 Beneficence
Beneficence is an ethical principle that requires researchers to promote the well-being of
participants and ensure that research has the potential to produce valuable benefits. It
involves considering how a study may contribute to knowledge, improve existing practices or
address problems affecting individuals and communities. Researchers should carefully assess
the possible advantages of their investigations and determine whether these benefits justify
involving participants. For example, a researcher investigating the causes of poor academic
INTRODUCTION
Research is an important process used to investigate problems, develop knowledge,
understand human behaviour and identify possible solutions to challenges experienced by
individuals and communities. Through research, information can be collected, analysed and
interpreted to improve decision-making in areas such as education, health, business and
social development. However, conducting research involves responsibilities that extend
beyond collecting information and presenting findings. Researchers must consider the rights,
dignity, safety and well-being of the people who participate in their studies. Ethical
principles provide guidance on how researchers should interact with participants, manage
information and make decisions throughout the research process. According to Resnik (2020),
research ethics promotes responsible conduct by encouraging honesty, objectivity, integrity
and respect for the rights of others. Researchers must also select methods that are appropriate
for their research questions and objectives. Quantitative research, qualitative research and
Participatory Action Research offer different ways of investigating problems and generating
knowledge. Understanding the four philosophical principles of research ethics and the
characteristics of these research methods helps ensure that research is conducted responsibly,
produces credible findings and contributes positively to society.
QUESTION 1: RELEVANCE OF THE FOUR PHILOSOPHICAL PRINCIPLES IN
DETERMINING WHETHER RESEARCH IS ETHICAL
1.1 Beneficence
Beneficence is an ethical principle that requires researchers to promote the well-being of
participants and ensure that research has the potential to produce valuable benefits. It
involves considering how a study may contribute to knowledge, improve existing practices or
address problems affecting individuals and communities. Researchers should carefully assess
the possible advantages of their investigations and determine whether these benefits justify
involving participants. For example, a researcher investigating the causes of poor academic
